"O, who would be a puddin',
A puddin' in a pot,
A puddin' which is stood on
A fire which is hot ?
O sad indeed the lot
Of puddin's in a pot.
"I wouldn't be a puddin'
If I could be a bird,
If I could be a wooden
Doll, I wouldn't say a word.
Yes, I have often heard
It's grand to be a bird.
"But as I am a puddin',
A puddin' in a pot,
I hope you get the stomachache
For eatin' me a lot.
I hope you get it hot,
You puddin'-eatin' lot!"
"Very well sung, Albert," said Bill encouragingly, "though
you're a trifle husky in your undertones, which is no doubt due
to the gravy in your innards. However, as a reward for bein' a
bright little feller we shall have a slice of you all round before
turnin' in for the night."
So they whistled up the plum-duff side of the Puddin', and had
supper. When that was done, Bill stood up and made a speech to
Bunyip Bluegum.
"I am now about to put before you an important proposal," said
Bill. "Here you are, a young intelligent feller, goin' about
seein' the world by yourself. Here is Sam an' me, two as fine
fellers as ever walked, goin' about the world with a Puddin'.
My proposal to you is--Join us, and become a member of the Noble
Society of Puddin'-Owners. The duties of the Society," went on
Bill, "are light. The members are required to wander along the
roads, indulgin' in conversation, song and story, eatin' at
regular intervals at the Puddin'. And now, what's your answer?"
"My answer," said Bunyip Bluegum, "is, Done with you."
And, shaking hands warmly all round, they loudly sang.